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Eight UDP MLAs Join BJP, Reshaping Meghalaya’s Political Arithmetic
Eight lawmakers from Meghalaya’s United Democratic Party joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.
They made the switch at an event in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The lawmakers had been discussing their political future with BJP leaders for weeks.
Their move changes how political parties are positioned in Meghalaya.
The BJP will now have 10 MLAs, including former UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh.
This makes it the second-largest party in the state Assembly after the NPP.
The change could affect the ruling alliance.
It may also influence preparations for the 2028 Assembly elections.
The lawmakers also raised issues involving the Khasi language, coal mining and the MRSSA.
Eight United Democratic Party legislators joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The legislators include Lahkmen Rymbui, Kyrmen Shylla, Olan Singh Suin and five others.
The move follows weeks of speculation and discussions between the MLAs and BJP leadership.
Former UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh had joined the BJP on September 12.
With 10 MLAs, the BJP is expected to become Meghalaya’s second-largest party after the NPP.
- Who
- Eight United Democratic Party MLAs, including Lahkmen Rymbui and Kyrmen Shylla, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.
- What
- The legislators switched parties, giving the BJP 10 MLAs and making it Meghalaya’s second-largest party after the NPP.
- Where
- The legislators joined the BJP in New Delhi.
- When
- The switch was announced on Wednesday; former UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh joined the BJP on September 12.
- Why
- The move followed weeks of talks about their political future and issues concerning Meghalaya, including Khasi language recognition, coal mining and MRSSA amendments.
Key facts
- Defecting legislators
- Eight United Democratic Party MLAs
- New party
- Bharatiya Janata Party
- BJP strength
- 10 MLAs after the move
- Assembly standing
- The BJP is expected to become Meghalaya’s second-largest party after the NPP
- Earlier BJP entrant
- Former UDP leader Dr Jemino Mawthoh joined on September 12
- Key demands
- Inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule, legal resumption of coal mining and approval for MRSSA amendments
- Potential impact
- The move could affect Meghalaya’s ruling alliance and the run-up to the 2028 Assembly elections
Sources
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